Here’s why Satwa is Dubai’s not-so-secret Filipino hotspot
Small community covers an area of two square kilometres, but is home to around 40,228 people
The buzz of familiar conversation fills the air as Gulf News takes a stroll through Satwa, a small Dubai community that takes up only two square kilometres but is home to 40,228 people.
“Bili ka na, ate (Buy now, sister),” a vendor calls, beaming at passers-by. The sidewalk is teeming with people from all walks of life — some waiting for the bus, dining al fresco, having a watch repaired, buying vegetables, carrying bags of groceries and some crossing the street.
“Nagpadala ka na ba? [Have you sent money yet?]” a woman asks her companion as they approach a remittance centre.
“Kain muna tayo [Let’s eat first],” a teen tells her friends as they head towards a popular Filipino fastfood chain.
For a minute you think you’re in a busy street in the Philippines, but it’s Satwa.
Geraldine Tuangco, 46, says she makes a weekly trip to the area to feel closer to home. Tuangco ■ has lived in Dubai for almost three years and says a stroll through Satwa never fails to lift her spirits.
“Satwa is where my heart is because we have lots of Filipinos here and … most Filipino food is available. It’s like Philippines; it’s like Manila,” she tells Gulf News.
Just like Manila? You bet. It even has a newly built building named just that.
There are a lot of things you can find in Satwa that is close to Filipinos’ hearts (and wallets!): Food, shopping and more food! Groceries sell a myriad of Filipino products, and if you don’t feel like cooking, there are ■ plenty of Filipino restaurants and fast food outlets.
It’s also a mini-shopper’s paradise with its collection of art galleries, perfume shops, pre-loved clothing stores, auto accessory shops, tailoring shops, jewellery stores and gift shops. You can even pick up vegetables from the sidewalk!
“Here in Satwa it’s always buzzing with activity because all of the shops are open 24/7 and you can enjoy it all the time,” says Danielle Labrias, 19.
The teen had just stepped out with her family and friends to choose a place to eat when Gulf News met her.
Patricia Labrias, 21, says although they don’t live in Satwa “we always come and visit our friends”, particularly during Christmas or New Year.
Part of what draws expatriates to Satwa is its close proximity to Dubai’s newer hotspots. “Bus stations are near here and it’s easy access to the metro and back,” says Patricia.
“You can go anywhere faster… like [the] church or Dubai Mall,” says 29-year-old Jeff Cruz.
“I like Satwa because it’s the centre of everything… I can buy Filipino food … everything is near,” says Rosalinda Pelibino, a resident of the area for 13 years.
Danielle Labrias explains: “You feel more at home… and when there’s Filipinos around it’s more fun and energetic and it’s just nice company.”
Satwa is also home to expat communities like Indians and Pakistanis. It is that community vibe that is a big draw to Filipinos, who are used to a culture of tight family ties.
Is it possible to feel homesick here? “No. There’s so many Filipinos around Satwa so you never feel homesick,” says Elaiza Lubao, 20.
Efren Gatchalian, 42, has been living in Satwa for more than five years. “I chose to live here in Satwa [because] everything is here: restaurants, banks, food, people... food especially.”
Geraldine Tuangco
Danielle Labrias
Rosalinda Pelibino
Elaiza Lubao